Let’s be real — the word budget makes most people cringe. It sounds restrictive, like a joyless spreadsheet telling you all the things you can’t do. No fun, no freedom, just sacrifice. Right?
Wrong.
If you’ve ever followed Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps, you already know that budgeting doesn’t limit your life — it unlocks it. It gives you peace, purpose, and the power to tell your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.
The 7 Baby Steps That Lead to Financial Freedom
-
Save $1,000 for a starter emergency fund
Life happens. This first cushion keeps an unexpected bill from turning into a crisis. -
Pay off all debt (except the house) using the Debt Snowball
Small wins build momentum. Knock out your smallest debts first and roll those payments into the next one. -
Save 3–6 months of expenses in a fully funded emergency fund
Now you’re not just surviving. You’re prepared. -
Invest 15% of your household income into retirement accounts
Your future self is counting on you. Start early and be consistent. -
Save for your children’s college fund
Help your kids avoid the burden of student loans. -
Pay off your home early
No mortgage = real freedom. -
Build wealth and give generously
You worked hard to get here — now use that wealth to change lives, starting with your own.
“The Borrower Is Slave to the Lender”
Proverbs 22:7 isn’t subtle: “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Debt isn’t just numbers on a page — it’s pressure, stress, and a loss of control.
You don’t have to live that way.
✅ Tell Your Money What to Do
Start by doing what most people avoid: face your finances. List your income. List your expenses. Be honest.
Then:
-
Tithe — give first. 10%
-
Save — even if it’s small at first. 15%
-
Attack debt — with intensity. 25%
-
Cut out fluff — the “wants” can wait.
-
Essentials: 40%
-
Wants/Fun: 10%
As Dave Ramsey says, “Live like no one else now so you can live and give like no one else later.”
It’s not easy. Discipline never is. But this isn’t about deprivation — it’s about direction. When you’re not living paycheck to paycheck, you’re free to make choices based on purpose, not panic.
What If There’s Not Enough?
🧹 Cut the Waste
When income is tight, start trimming. Here’s a checklist to consider:
☐ Make your coffee at home
☐ Pack your lunches
☐ Cook instead of takeout
☐ Cancel cable
☐ Audit subscriptions
Even small cuts add up fast when you stay consistent.
Still coming up short? Consider picking up a second job or side hustle temporarily. This isn’t forever — it’s fuel to get out of debt faster.
Your Next Step
Budgeting isn’t the enemy. It’s the map. Financial freedom is possible, and it starts with telling your money what to do.
Want to go deeper? Pick up Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover and learn how people from all walks of life have climbed out of debt and built lasting wealth: Grab the book here
“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases”
Find Me On Social